Falcons OC Steve Sarkisian on recovery: 'I am better than I was'

Falcons OC Steve Sarkisian on recovery: 'I am better than I was'

The single greatest question facing the Atlanta Falcons in 2017 is how well they will adjust switching from Kyle Shanahan at offensive coordinator to Steve Sarkisian.

Shanahan has gotten a lot of criticism for how the Super Bowl played out, but Atlanta did lead the NFL in scoring by a wide margin and broke all kinds of franchise records in the process. It won’t be easy for Sarkisian to live up to the standard Shanahan set before moving on to San Francisco.

Sarkisian’s hire also raised questions about his past. Specifically, some fans have voiced concern over the alcohol issues that led to his dismissal at USC.

Life is what it is, but you have to continue to grow as a person. . . I kind of liken it to getting in the locker room at halftime and re-grouping and making the adjustments, and then going out and playing the second half of the life the way I want to live it. That’s in a fully healthy fashion, but one that is filled with love and compassion for the people around me. . . I came out of it all knowing there was a better version of Steve Sarkisian inside of me. I wanted it for myself, but I wanted it for the people who love me and care about me. . . I am better than I was and I can be better than I am now.

Sarkisian also told Prisco that he didn’t see his job as just maintaining what Shanahan built, but improving on it.

If Sarkisian can manage to walk that fine line, the Falcons offense should remain one of the best in football for the foreseeable future.